Justice Department formalizes rules banning most subpoenas against journalists

Washington — The Justice Department has codified a policy to ban subpoenas, search warrants and other compulsory legal measures against newsgathering journalists in most circumstances, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced Wednesday. 

The regulations officially adopted a policy Garland announced last year that restricted the legal action federal prosecutors could take against members of the news media as they pursue their work.

Justice Department employees will be receiving"comprehensive training" about the new standards and requirements under the new regulations, according to a memo sent to department staff.